Thinking About the YMCA Pumpkin Pie 5K This Year?

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Thanksgiving morning has a way of feeling different when you have already moved your body before the turkey is in the oven. On Thursday, November 26, 2026, at 9:00 AM, the 20th Annual Nazareth Pumpkin Pie 5K and 1.5 Mile Scenic Walk brings runners, walkers, and families together for a holiday tradition in downtown Nazareth that supports River Crossing YMCA community impact programs across the Lehigh Valley.

You Do Not Need to Be a "Runner"

The 5K distance is a friendly one. Research on more than 230,000 people found that running even once a week, or for less than 50 minutes a week, was linked to a 27% lower risk of death from any cause compared with not running at all. Small, steady efforts count, and that is exactly how this program is built.

The Pumpkin Pie 5K Running Club

Coach Joel Kilpatrick leads a supportive 6-week small group training program for runners and walkers of every experience level. You will build endurance, improve your pacing, and stay accountable alongside a small group of fellow holiday participants. Groups are limited to 3 to 10 people, so you get real attention instead of getting lost in a crowd.

Choose the day that fits your life:

• Tuesday evenings, 6:00 to 6:45 PM, October 13 through November 10
• Thursday mornings, 6:00 to 6:45 AM, October 8 through November 12

Sessions meet at the Nazareth Branch Welcome Center and run outdoors when weather allows, with the Wellness Center as the backup on rainy days.

Running Club Pricing:

• Members: $82 for 6 weeks (one day), $150 for both days, or $15 per session

• Non-members: $135 for 6 weeks (one day), $221 for both days, or $25 per session

Not sure about committing to the full six weeks? Individual sessions let you test the waters.

Why Practicing in Teams Works

Building successful habits takes time. Five-six weeks of scheduled sessions give you a head start on that process, with a coach and teammates who notice when you show up. Many people find that the hardest part of any new routine is the first few weeks, and this program puts structure and accountability around that stretch. When a team is in it together, the team succeeds together.

Ready to Lace Up?

Registration is required through Daxko, and full classes have a waitlist, so earlier is better. Extra times may be added if interest is high. When race morning arrives, you will cross the finish line knowing your effort supports your Y’s community impact programs, including the financial assistance program, free Pathway health and wellness programs and child nutrition through River Crossing YMCA.

Follow this link to sign up for the run club, or visit the Pumpkin Pie 5K page for race registration, course maps and volunteer opportunities.

River Crossing YMCA (formerly YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties and Greater Valley YMCA) is a charitable, nonprofit organization committed to strengthening communities through membership and programs that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility for all. Annually, the Y serves over 100,000 members and participants at its 11 member branches, 12 early childhood centers, 20 summer camp locations and 44 school age child care programs. River Crossing YMCA provides over $12 million of community impact annually in the form of financial assistance to individuals and families in need and free programming for veterans, cancer survivors, older adults and more. To learn more visit ymcarivercrossing.org.

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